Andrew Lachlan, founder and CEO of Sauna House, shares his inspiring journey of personal transformation and the founding of his modern bathhouse brand. He delves into the benefits of contrast therapy, detailing how tech-free spaces foster wellness and community. Andrew discusses the challenges and rewards of expanding through franchising, ensuring a unique customer experience while connecting ancient traditions with modern needs. With nine new locations on the horizon, he emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that enhance mental and physical health.
Andrew Lachlan's personal sobriety journey led him to discover the health benefits of sauna and cold water therapy, inspiring the creation of Sauna House.
Sauna House's expansion through franchising emphasizes a structured yet flexible approach to maintain quality while empowering entrepreneurs in the wellness industry.
Deep dives
Andrew Lachlan's Journey and the Birth of Sauna House
Andrew Lachlan's personal journey with sobriety played a crucial role in the founding of Sauna House. After struggling with anxiety and depression during his recovery, he discovered the benefits of sauna and cold water therapy, which greatly improved his mental and physical well-being. Upon relocating to Asheville, North Carolina, he was inspired by his wife to create a modern bathhouse, leading to the opening of Sauna House. This concept emphasizes a communal bathing culture, rooted in traditions from various countries, while adapting to contemporary wellness needs.
Building a Unique Business Model through Franchising
Sauna House embraced franchising as a way to expand its reach and bring its unique bathing experience to a wider audience. The transition involved developing a structured system that ensures consistency while allowing for individual creativity in each franchise location. Andrew highlights the importance of coaching franchise partners on real estate, build-out processes, and operations, as these projects can be financially demanding. This supportive approach allows young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams of owning a wellness business while maintaining high standards for customer experience.
Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience
The customer experience at Sauna House is built around providing a warm welcoming environment where guests can fully immerse themselves in sauna and cold plunge therapy. Andrew emphasizes the significance of offering an exceptional experience to one customer to encourage new customers to visit. Additionally, a tech-free atmosphere enhances the communal aspect, allowing patrons to connect with one another authentically. With structured programming and knowledgeable staff, guests are guided through a refreshing circuit that promotes relaxation and well-being.
Educating Consumers on Wellness Practices
Sauna House prioritizes educating customers about the benefits of sauna and cold therapy, especially in a culture that may not be familiar with such practices. They provide valuable resources through their blog, collaborating with doctors and researchers to share scientific insights on the mental and physical benefits of these ancient rituals. Andrew believes that fostering awareness around proper use of sauna and cold plunge therapy will improve customer experiences and promote healthier lifestyles. This education helps mitigate fears and misconceptions, allowing people to reap the rewards of time spent in the calming environment of the bathhouse.
Today, I'm joined by Andrew Lachlan, founder & CEO of Sauna House.
Andrew’s sobriety journey led him to discover the benefits of contrast therapy and ultimately launch Sauna House. Scaling up, the brand has nine new locations in the works.
In this episode, we discuss the company’s modern bathhouse concept.
We also cover:
• Creating tech-free spaces • Expansion through franchising • Promoting community for well-being
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Sauna House’s Website: https://www.saunahouse.com/ Sauna House Franchise Info: https://www.saunahouse.com/pages/franchise Sauna House Career’s: https://www.saunahouse.com/pages/careers Sauna House’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/sauna_house/
- The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart workout solutions for fitness and health facilities.
Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:30) Andrew's Journey to Sauna House (03:53) Early Success and Expansion (04:54) Sauna Culture and Customer Experience (08:32) Challenges and Rewards of Franchising (14:30) Sauna House Experience (28:54) Balancing Tradition and Modernization (32:41) Future Roadmap (34:47) Conclusion
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